The Norse Draugar – First Zombies of Europe?
Draugr is a menacing sounding name for a menacing creature. Also called draug or draugar (plural), a draugr is an undead monstrosity in Norse mythology, not dissimilar to our modern-day concept of ...
Norse mythology refers to the mythology and religion of the Norse (also called Vikings) and Germanic peoples, which existed before their conversion to Christianity. The myths are vibrant, intriguing and unique, showcasing the beliefs and ideals of the people who believed in them.
Norse mythology is full of interesting and complex figures, such as Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya and Frigg. It can be harsh and sordid, often even fatalistic, representing the worldview of the Norse people and the harsh environment they lived in.
As Neil Gaiman so aptly puts it, “The Norse myths are the myths of a chilly place, with long, long winter nights and endless summer days, myths of a people who did not entirely trust or even like their gods, although they respected and feared them.”
Our series on Norse mythology covers all the main characters, creatures and events, highlighting the importance of the stories and their symbolism and relevance today.
Trolls in Norse Mythology
Norse mythology has given many unique creatures, myths, and symbols to the world, and chief among them are the various types of Norse trolls. Typically depicted as large, grotesque, physically ...
Ratatoskr – The Norse Messenger Squirrel and Bringer of Doom
“Bringer of Doom” can feel like an exaggeration for a squirrel and Ratatoskr is indeed a minor character in Norse mythology. However, the red squirrel’s role is surprisingly significant as he’s ...
15 Best Books on Norse Mythology
Norse mythology is an endlessly fascinating topic which has had a profound impact on modern culture, and there have been many books written about the subject throughout history. With all the books ...
Huldra – The Seductive Forest Beings of Norse Mythology
The huldra or hulder may sound rugged and masculine but they are actually exceptionally fair female mystical beings in Norse mythology. In fact, through their varying myths and legends across all ...
15 Unique Creatures of Norse Mythology
The nine worlds of Norse mythology are full of bizarre mythical creatures such as giants, dwarves, elves, norns and the Kraken. While Norse mythology is predominantly about the Norse gods, these ...
11 Legendary Norse Mythology Weapons
From the ancient Germanic tribes that plagued Rome to the medieval Viking raiders that reached North American shores, most Norse cultures have never shied away from war. This is clearly reflected ...
Zeus vs Odin – How Do the Two Major Allfather Gods of Europe Compare?
The “Old Continent” is a place of hundreds of ancient mythological pantheons and thousands of gods. Most of them are have been around for many millennia have influenced other legends and deities ...
Who is Gullveig? Norse Mythology
Gullveig is one of those special characters in Norse myths and legends that is scarcely mentioned but yet plays an important role. The subject of endless speculation, Gullveig is a character that ...
Nerthus – Norse Mythology
Nerthus – is she yet another Norse goddess of the Earth or is she something truly special? And if it’s both, maybe Nerthus can help explain why there are so many seemingly duplicated Norse ...
Nidhogg – Norse Mythology
Most cultures across the globe have legends of dragons and terrifying serpent-like monsters, and the Norse are no exception. In addition to Jörmungandr, the terrifying World Serpent and slayer of ...
Hugin and Munin – Odin’s Ravens Odin’s
The Allfather god Odin is typically depicted with a pair of ravens on his shoulders. Odin’s ravens, known as Hugin and Munin (pronounced HOO-gin and MOO-nin and also spelled Huginn and Muninn), ...
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